Description A contagious viral ...
Description
A contagious viral illness caused by the poliovirus. There are three basic patterns of polio infection: subclinical infections, nonparalytic, and paralytic. Approximately 95% of infections are subclinical infections and do not experience any symptoms. In its most severe form, polio causes paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death. Polio virus is very contagious and spreads most commonly through contact with infected feces, or through ingestion of contaminated food or water. It also can spread by respiratory droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People who are infected can have no symptoms can still spread the virus to others for weeks to months. An immunization (vaccine) is available against polio.
Symptoms
Nonparalytic polio: Malaise, headache, red throat, slight fever, sore throat, vomiting, soreness in the arms and legs. Paralytic polio: Headache, fever, constipation, neck pain, weakness, paralysis.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify the infection and extent of the disease include: lumbar puncture, CSF examination, test for levels of antibodies to the polio virus, viral cultures of throat washings, viral cultures of stools, and/or viral cultures of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Lumbar puncture, CSF examination, test for levels of antibodies to the polio virus, viral cultures of throat washings, viral stool cultures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral culture
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify the infection and extent of the disease include: lumbar puncture, CSF examination, test for levels of antibodies to the polio virus, viral cultures of throat washings, viral cultures of stools, and/or viral cultures of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Lumbar puncture, CSF examination, test for levels of antibodies to the polio virus, viral cultures of throat washings, viral stool cultures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral culture
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
There is no cure for polio. Vaccination can prevent polio. Patients with paralysis of breathing may need mechanical ventilation (to be "on a respirator"). Antibiotics are given for secondary infections, and pain medications for comfort.